It is with broken hearts that we announce that on August 4, 2017 our loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away with her grandchildren, daughters and husband at her side. After bravely fighting Multiple Myeloma for three and half years, she succumbed to the effects of the cancer. Cathy is survived by her husband Robert, two daughters Nicole (Carl Poole) of Port Alberni, Christina (Jordan Lester) of Kamloops, four grandchildren, Amiko, Jack, Cate and Flora, sisters Margaret Ann Buchignani, and Barb Irving, both of Calgary and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cathy was born and raised in Rossland, B.C., the youngest of three girls. When she completed her high school education, she entered into the field of nursing and completed her RN at St. Paul Hospital in 1971. Following graduation she was employed at Grand Forks Hospital and married to Robert in 1973. She worked at Richmond General Hospital while Robert studied Engineering at UBC. Following Robert’s graduation from UBC as a Mining Engineer in 1975, Cathy worked at Granisle Health Clinic, Princeton Hospital, and 15 years at Pine Grove Care Center in Kamloops until her retirement in 2008. She was know as an “energizer bunny” who work tirelessly with the utmost compassion and respect for aging individuals.
Cathy had a big heart and a huge capacity to give herself to others. Even when tired and unwell she never focused on herself. Instead she always made sure her loved ones were at the forefront of her affection. She was a major support and influence on her daughters and played a huge role as a grandma with her four grandchildren. She was a wonderful caregiver to her pets even the ones with undesirable characteristics that left them previously abandoned. Recently she walked alongside with her beloved Golden lab, Keiko on their shared cancer journey.
Cathy loved life and was always enthusiastic to do anything. Whether it was exploring the world with Bob or enjoying the familiar trails in Peterson Creek and Stake Lake with her friends and daughters. Quiet times were enjoyed with her current book on the go or tending to the most brilliant flower gardens. Her cooking and baking was exceptional and she shared this with her friends and family.
Due to her desire to help other sufferers, Cathy took on the role of being the Support Leader for Myeloma Canada in the Kamloops Area. Please support Cathy in her last endeavor and join her in the Myeloma Canada March at Riverside Park, starting at Uji Garden at 9:00 am, August 26, 2017 or donate to Myeloma Canada by going to the website: https://myelomacanada.akaraisin.com/myelomamarch2017/kamloops Her team is Walkie Talkie.
Her family would like to acknowledge the compassion and loving care provided by Colleen Richter NP, Dr. Proctor and the team at the Cancer Clinic, the nurses in Ambulatory Care, Dr. Farren and Carol, Palliative Care RN.
A Celebration of her life will take place in Kamloops at the Southwest Baptist Community Church at 2:00 pm on August 19, 2017. In lieu of flowers and gifts Cathy’s family would appreciate a donation in her name to the above-mentioned Myeloma Canada or to your local SPCA.
Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2017-08-04
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.